Puri, Sept 24: The Vamana Janmotsav ritual was observed at Srimandir in Puri on Wednesday night as part of the temple’s traditional rituals.

The ritual began at the Bhitar Chandan Argali, where the area was cleaned and a mandala was drawn with five-coloured sacred powder. After the Bada Deula rituals and Varuna Puja, Lord Krishna was brought to the Ratna Singhasana.

Following various rituals, including Panchamruta Mahasnan, Sitala Bhog and Garbhodaka Niti, Goddess Durga was brought from the Bhandar Ghar. The Basudhara ritual was performed by the Puja Panda servitor, followed by bhog and Bandapana.

On Thursday, Lord Jagannath will adorn the Vamana Besha after the Madhyanna Dhupa. The attire will remain until the Badasinghara Puja. The Singharis will dress the Lord with ornaments including garlands, Chandrika, earrings and pendants.

Lord Balabhadra will appear in Raj Besha, while Goddess Subhadra will remain in her regular attire.

The Vamana avatar is regarded as the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and subdued King Bali. The Vamana Besha at Srimandir commemorates this divine episode.